Police: Witness in Leila Fowler Murder 'No Longer Credible'
VALLEY SPRINGS (CBS13) — Many hoped fears following an 8-year-old's stabbing death would be eased at a press conference. But as Day 6 closed Thursday, investigators said the sketch they hoped to release of Leila Fowler's killer wouldn't be released.
Investigators say a witness who said she saw Fowler's killer running from the home on the day of the killing has stopped cooperating.
"The witnesses' description of the running man was an important lead for investigators, said Sgt. Chris Hewitt of the Calaveras County Sheriff's Department, "but as of now, it has become clear that this witness is no longer credible."
While police haven't made an arrest, they said residents can breathe a little easier.
"Yes he's somewhere in here, but right now we do not believe that the public is at risk," Hewitt said.
Some residents aren't ready to relax just yet.
"I don't know how anybody can say that for sure," said resident Genola Strahorn. "If he's still in the area, then I think we're all still at risk."
One possible connection was nixed Thursday as accused Placerville kidnapper Jason Wayrynen was cleared of involvement in the Fowler case. He pled not guilty to allegedly trying to snatch a toddler from a Placerville mom's hands in her apartment on Tuesday. His bail was increased to $1.5 million.
